Best Aphrodisiacs for Men and Women 2018

Intimate relationships are a very sensitive but incredibly important part of our lives. That’s why it’s not surprising that so many couples are looking for ways to get maximum pleasure from sex. And, of course, the most obvious way to do this is to try aphrodisiacs. There’s so much info on them out there that it’s almost impossible to tell which ones work and which ones don’t. Here’s what you need to know to spice up your intimate life with aphrodisiacs.

What is an aphrodisiac?

So, what's an aphrodisiac? The word came from ancient Greece, and it literally means “love pleasures.” Aphrodisiacs are products that stimulate sexual desire in both men and women. There are natural aphrodisiacs (herbs and foods) and aphrodisiac drugs that are sold in pharmacies.

We should mention that only substances that increase sexual desire count. Therefore, it would be incorrect to call Viagra and other means of treating impotence aphrodisiacs: they imply physiological intervention in order to realize sexual desire. So we’re not going to talk about these drugs.

How aphrodisiacs work

Aphrodisiacs are products of plant or animal origin that stimulate sexual arousal and activity in the human body in a variety of ways. It’s wrong to believe that an aphrodisiac has a pronounced stimulating effect which can’t be controlled. A human body is a complex mix of temperament, cognitive activity, will, and other characteristics that control all the processes, including sexual arousal. So it would be more accurate to say that aphrodisiacs can only increase arousal and attraction but not create it.

Unlike men, women may experience problems with libido which can’t be eliminated with the help of artificial blood flow to the genitals, since the female body works in a slightly different way. While all male sensory receptors are concentrated in the groin area, female ones aren’t so easy to find. That’s why turning a woman on is a tough task. That’s where chemical and natural aphrodisiac products come in handy. They enhance the work of endorphins and testosterone.

Are aphrodisiacs real?

Every nation’s folklore describes some miraculous product that boosts male sexual abilities. For example, Kama Sutra recommends rice with sparrow eggs, stewed onions, and honey. The Koreans eat poisonous snakes, the Japanese prefer mussels, and the Egyptians use garlic to last longer in bed. And sometimes aphrodisiac properties were attributed to rather strange substances, such as rhino horn powder the price of which could reach ridiculous figures. Does this mean that all such “remedies” are nothing more than a clever way to rob people off? Are aphrodisiacs real?

Do they really work?

According to Elizabeth West, an obstetrician-gynecologist from the University of California, Irvine, scientific evidence of the benefits of aphrodisiacs isn’t solid, but some herbs like ginkgo, ginseng, poppy, as well as some aphrodisiac essential oils have the potential for boosting male sexual desire. Dr. West has studied these products. It has been scientifically proven that ginkgo improves blood flow to peripheral organs, including the genitals.

As for the ginseng root, the clinical efficacy of this plant in men struggling with erectile dysfunction has been repeatedly confirmed by scientists from China, Russia, Europe, and the US. There’s evidence that this female aphrodisiac helps women deal with the symptoms of menopause, improving sex life. This means that some aphrodisiacs are really able to brighten up your sexual relationship.

Why they might work for you

How to make a person feel good? Harm them, and then cure them. It’s the principle that all aphrodisiacs work according to. They partially restore lost functions, but rarely enhance normal ones.

Here are some examples. Rhino horn “works” only in its geographic area. The thing is that it contains a large amount of calcium and phosphorus. With a shortage of these microelements (which is typical of those regions of Africa where rhinos live), horns can really significantly improve overall physical well-being, as well as sexual functions. So those who live in European countries won’t feel the effect of this aphrodisiac.

Such aphrodisiac herbs as ginseng and lemongrass have a mild stimulating effect. They help restore “male power” by ensuring the normal functioning of the whole body, including libido. In addition, there’s the so-called placebo effect. If a person truly believes that roasted mountain goat's testicles will help, there is a high probability that this will happen.

Are oysters an aphrodisiac?

This product is considered the best among foods that can improve sexual desire. A significant role in this is played by its chemical composition that includes vitamins A, B, E, and D, but what really makes oysters the best aphrodisiac for men is zinc. A couple of oysters provide the daily dose of this trace element. In the male body, zinc is directly involved in the production of testosterone, the most important male hormone responsible for sexual desire. However, the main “weapon” of oysters in their fight to boost sexual desire is the high content of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for male and female libido. It’s also called “the pleasure hormone.”

Is chocolate an aphrodisiac?

Chocolate has amino acids that affect various properties of the body, including brain function. It contains phenylethylamine. This chemical is produced when we fall in love. In addition, this substance is also an effective cure for a hangover. Serotonin and dopamine, as well as other stimulants contained in chocolate, improve our mood, which also affects our libido.

Aphrodisiac for women

We’ve put together a list of the most powerful female aphrodisiacs. They’re all natural, so don’t worry about the possible negative effects.

Bergamot - proven female aphrodisiac

Bergamot is the most effective natural aphrodisiac for women. It helps ladies relax and cheers us up when we feel depressed. Bergamot oil is often used for erotic massage.

Saffron

Saffron is a powerful & proven aphrodisiac for male that does miracles to libido. It contains hormone-like substances that stimulate the erogenous zones.

Geranium

Geranium is a strong female aphrodisiac that works best for mature women. Geranium essential oils support women's health and stabilize hormonal levels. Apart from that, geranium oil is used in the treatment of migraines, menopause, and cerebral vascular spasm.

Ylang ylang

This one’s probably the strongest aphrodisiac. You won’t feel its effect immediately; it needs time to start doing its job. Ylang ylang oil increases the sensitivity of receptors, boosting sexual desire several times.

Johimbe

Johimbe is a tropical plant which bark is an excellent fast acting female aphrodisiac. Its extract promotes blood flow to the genitals, affects all receptors, and has a calming effect, helping women get true pleasure from sex.

Spanish fly

This is one of the old and proven female aphrodisiacs. It’s made from the insect which contains cantharidin. Cantharidin is a poison that can be dangerous without special treatment. But modern medicine allows for benefiting from this substance without harm to health.

Celery

There are dozens of natural aphrodisiac foods, but the first spot goes to celery which works not only for women but also for men. Due to the high content of active essential oils, celery has been used as a sexual activity enhancing plant since ancient times. Make some celery salad, and an unforgettable night of love is guaranteed.

Chocolate

The next product that has earned the fame of a powerful female aphrodisiac is chocolate. This product improves mood and provokes the production of endorphins. Cook a chocolate fondue dessert or pour some on fruits or berries.

Fruits

Some aphrodisiac fruits, such as avocados, bananas, mangoes, figs, peaches, grapes, and strawberries also have a beneficial effect on female sexual desire. These foods contain zinc, potassium, and iron known for their ability to increase testosterone levels.

Aphrodisiac for men

People began to use natural aphrodisiacs, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs back in ancient times. Many recipes haven’t lost their relevance today. Herbal-based aphrodisiacs are especially popular.

Galangal

This plant is widely used in herbal medicine, as it has unique healing properties and contains tannic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory substances. Galangal got its popularity for its exciting properties that apply to both men and women.

Chicory root

This powerful male aphrodisiac contains a huge variety of microelements, vegetable acids, vitamins A and C, and vitamins the B group. This composition helps to establish digestive processes, boost metabolism, and most importantly, eliminate problems with potency and improve intimate life.

Basil

This is one of the most popular herbs which have been used for centuries. It’s considered one of the best stimulants of mental and sexual abilities. The smell of basil improves mood and, when used regularly, strengthens the nervous system. For therapeutic purposes, plants with lilac and purple petals are the best. You can add some basil to dishes or prepare a decoction from dried leaves.

Cardamom

The ancient art of healing – Ayurveda – recommends cardamom as one of the efficient natural aphrodisiacs for men. This spice contains cineole, a substance that activates the blood flow in the pelvic organs. Naturally, this can stimulate attraction.

Aphrodisiac foods for men

Asparagus

This product contains a large amount of vitamin E, an antioxidant, through which oxygen is transferred to the genitals. As for cooking, asparagus is best steamed or grilled, as it retains more beneficial ingredients this way. Asparagus sprouts contain aspartic acid which prolongs the duration of sexual intercourse and makes orgasms brighter.

Oysters and shrimps

These products contain a large amount of zinc, a trace element necessary for the normal activity of the prostate gland and the preservation of male power. All foods rich in zinc are good for men, so all of them can be considered aphrodisiacs. This list also includes mussels, snails, eels, trout, roe, and salmon. So what, is sushi an aphrodisiac? Kind of.

Parsley

Parsley contains a special substance called apigenin which inhibits the activity of the female sex hormone estrogen in the male body, which leads to an increase in the activity of testosterone.

Ginger

Ginger is a product that increases potency and sexual desire and also fills the body with energy. In addition, ginger helps to normalize blood pressure and reduces weight and the level of cholesterol in the blood, which generally has a positive effect on men.